West Virginia University interim President C. Peter Magrath has named Robin Yorty to the position of interim executive director of University Events and chief protocol officer for University ceremonies, effective today (Aug. 4).

Yorty, the former WVU director of University Events, left her position in April, after nine years at WVU , to pursue some personal interests and projects. She is returning under Magraths tenure to assist in what she calledan exciting and unique timein the life of the University.

Organizing and managing Blaney House and key University and presidential functions is an absolute art,said Magrath,and Mrs. Yortys experience, grace, knowledge of social and business etiquette, and other talents uniquely qualify her for the busy year we have ahead of us.

Yorty said,I am absolutely delighted to assist President Magrath and a University I care deeply about as we begin planning and carrying out ceremonies, appreciation events, donor-related and Board activities, special meetingsnot to mention football brunches. The life of a University presidentparticularly one with a wife in a professional position in Washingtonis nonstop, and I am thrilled to be able to work with this wonderful energetic president to help make our University events all they can be.

Interim Director of University Events Stephanie Conrad, appointed to her post last month, will report to Yorty.

Together with the staff, they will recommend, plan, coordinate, organize and execute strategic events, from traditional large-scale Commencement ceremonies to small private dinners for international visitors.

Yorty received her undergraduate degree from WVU and is married to Jack Yorty, associate professor of dentistry at WVU . The couple has two grown children: Brian of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Kimberly of Pittsburgh.